Giuoco Piano Center Attack and Anderssen Variation
Giuoco Piano
Definition
The Giuoco Piano (Italian for “quiet game”) is the oldest recorded branch of the Italian Opening, arising after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5. Both sides develop their king’s bishop to c4/c5, eyeing the vulnerable f7/f2 squares and staking an early claim in the centre.
Typical Move Order
After the initial three moves, play can continue in several directions:
- 4. c3 (main line and doorway to the Center Attack and Møller lines)
- 4. b4 (the romantic Evans Gambit)
- 4. d3 (the modern, slower Giuoco Pianissimo)
- 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. d3 (the Hungarian-style treatment)
Strategic Themes
- Rapid piece development and early castling by both sides.
- Pressure on the central e- and d-files; many lines revolve around timely …d5 or d4 breaks.
- Tactical motifs on f7/f2, especially involving Bc4, Qb3/Qf3, and knight hops to g5/e5.
- Choice between open, tactical branches (Evans Gambit, Center Attack) and maneuvering, strategic lines (Pianissimo).
Historical Significance
Games by Gioachino Greco (c. 1620) already featured the exact move order, making the Giuoco Piano one of the game’s first systematically analysed openings. It virtually defined classical opening principles—speedy development, centre occupation, and king safety.
Illustrative Example
Greco – NN, 1620 (shortened):
Interesting Facts
- In the 19th century the opening was so fashionable that Ruy López devotees called it simply “The Other Game.”
- World Champion Magnus Carlsen resurrected the quiet 4.d3 approach in top-level play (e.g., vs. Karjakin, WCh 2016, Games 2 & 4).
- The name “quiet game” is slightly ironic—some of its branches are anything but quiet!
Center Attack (in the Giuoco Piano)
Definition
The Center Attack is an aggressive continuation of the Giuoco Piano beginning with 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. 0-0. White sacrifices a pawn (temporarily or permanently) to blast open the e- and d-files, betting on lead in development and direct pressure on Black’s king.
Key Position After 6. 0-0
Material: White – Qd1, Rf1, Kh1, Bc4, Nf3, pawns d4/c3/e4; Black – Ke8, Qd8, Bc5, Nf6, pawns d4/e5/c6. White threatens e5-e4-e5 ideas, Rf1-e1 pins, and Bc4-xf7+ tactics.
Strategic Ideas
- Development over material: every White move attacks or mobilises a piece.
- Central files: rooks quickly occupy e1 and d1, x-raying Black’s king.
- If Black mis-handles the defence (e.g., plays 6…Nxe4?!), eruptions on f7 and e4 can occur.
Historical & Theoretical Notes
The Center Attack was fashionable among romantic-era masters such as Adolf Anderssen and Johann Møller (hence the alternative name “Møller Attack”). While modern engines find reliable resources for Black, the line remains a potent surprise weapon at club level.
Illustrative Game
Anderssen – Kolisch, London 1861:
Practical Tips
- If you play White, memorize the typical exchange sac Rf1-e1-e5! for maximum impact.
- As Black, the most solid antidote is 6…d5 (entering the Anderssen Variation) or the precise 6…Nxe4 7. Re1 d5!, returning the pawn.
Anderssen Variation (of the Center Attack)
Definition
The Anderssen Variation is Black’s most reputable defence against the Center Attack: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. 0-0 d5 7. exd5 Nxd5 8. Re1+ Be6. Named after Adolf Anderssen, who both played and analysed it, this line immediately strikes back in the centre, neutralising White’s initiative and simplifying the position.
Main Line Continuation
After 9. dxc5 dxc4 10. Ng5 Qd7, material is level but Black has pair of bishops and a safe king, while White’s initiative has subsided. Modern theory considers the position roughly equal.
Strategic Hallmarks
- Counter-attack rather than passive defence: the …d5 break denies White the open files he craves.
- Exchange of minor pieces (…Be6) eases the pressure along the a2-g8 diagonal.
- Black often emerges with a healthy pawn structure and the bishop pair, giving good end-game prospects.
Historical Nugget
Anderssen first recommended the early …d5! idea in his private notebooks. Ironically, his closest student, Johannes Zukertort, ignored the advice during a friendly game—and was swiftly mated!
Sample Game
Møller – Anderssen (analysis game, Breslau 1864):
Why Study It?
- For White: knowing the Anderssen Variation helps you judge whether the sacrificial Center Attack suits your style.
- For Black: it provides a principled, engine-approved roadmap against one of White’s sharpest tries in the Giuoco Piano.
Interesting Facts
- The ECO code for the line is C54.
- Although rarely seen in elite rapid chess today, the variation remains popular in correspondence play where precise defensive resources are highly valued.